Dolphins are marine mammals that are closely related to whales and porpoises. The name “porpoise” and “dolphin” have been used interchangeably, but they are quite different. They have small, rounded heads and blunt jaws instead of beaks and tend to be smaller but stouter than dolphins. Their teeth are spade-shaped, whereas dolphins have conical teeth. In addition, a porpoise's dorsal fin is generally triangular, rather than curved like that of many dolphins and large whales. While dolphins have a round, bulbous "melon”, porpoises do not.

There are almost forty species of dolphin, and they are found worldwide, mostly in the shallower seas of the continental shelves. They are carnivores, mostly eating fish and squid, and evolved about ten million years ago from terrestrial mammals. Most dolphins have acute eyesight, both in and out of the water, and their sense of hearing is superior to that of humans. Though they have a small ear opening on each side of their head, it is believed that hearing underwater is also if not exclusively done with the lower jaw which conducts the sound vibrations to the middle ear. It is believed that their teeth are arranged in a way that works as an array or antenna to receive the incoming sound and make it easier for them to pinpoint the exact location of an object. Since they lack an olfactory nerve they are believed to have no sense of smell. The individuals communicate using a variety of clicks, whistles and other vocalizations. They also use ultrasonic sounds for echolocation. Dolphin behaviour has been studied extensively by humans however, both in captivity and in the wild.

Dolphins grab the imaginations of many people. They are intelligent, playful, and friendly, and are reputed to have extra-sensory abilities and spiritual qualities. They help certain fishermen by herding fish into nets, and have rescued humans from dangerous situations at sea. They are ambassadors of the ocean, and lots of people want to meet them.

Dolphins are social, living in pods (also called "schools") of up to a dozen individuals. In places with a high abundance of food, pods can join temporarily, forming an aggregation called a superpod; such groupings may exceed a thousand dolphins. Cetaceans can establish strong bonds between each other. This leads to them staying with injured or ill individuals, even actively helping them to breathe by bringing them to the surface if needed. This altruistic behaviour does not appear to be limited to their own species however. A dolphin in New Zealand that goes by the name of Moko has been observed to seemingly help guide a female Pygmy Sperm Whale together with her calf out of shallow water where they had stranded several times. They have also been known to seemingly protect swimmers from sharks by swimming circles around the swimmers or charging the sharks to make them go away.

So for thousands of years this warm, intelligent creature has captivated us. At Dolphin Discovery Cozumel there are many Atlantic Bottle - nosed dolphins with whom you can share part of your vacation.

Advance reservations are suggested as these activities typically sell out months in advance.

Several interactive programs offer you the opportunity to meet one of the ocean's most amazing creatures! Tursiops truncatus, otherwise known as the Bottle-Nosed dolphin, is a very social animal and waiting for a visit from you! Come join us and enjoy the experience of a lifetime in beautiful Chankanaab Park, home of one of the world's largest and most breathtaking dolphinariums.

If "Action" and "Speed" are what you seek in excursions then the Royal Swim is for you! Action and Speed pretty much describe this popular dolphin program! Get a handshake, a kiss and then you give them one. Feel the strength of your new friends as they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet in the thrilling foot-push. It is "the experience of a lifetime!"
US $169 Adults / US $89 Kids

The Dolphin Encounter is a fun chance for the entire family to learn about the anatomy of the dolphin and about some of their very special behaviors first hand by actually being in the water with them and touching them.
US $99 Adults / US $89 Kids

This is a fun, learning and interactive experience for all ages! A great way to introduce young and old to the wonders of dolphins and sea life! The Dolphin Encounter is a chance to learn about the anatomy of the dolphin and about some of their very special selected behaviors first hand by actually being in the water with them and touching them.
US$ 79 Adult / US$ 69 Child

Enjoy a unique opportunity to swim with dolphins and get to know them better! Experience the joy of a dolphin kiss, hugs and handshake and then marvel at the dolphin’s strength as you are towed through the water with a "belly ride." You will fall in love with their gentleness during this activity created especially for you to bond with dolphins!
US$ 109 Adult / US$ 99 Child

A unique opportunity to swim with dolphins and get to know them better! Experience the joy of a dolphin kiss, hugs and handshake and then marvel at the dolphin’s strength as you are towed through the water with a "belly ride." You will fall in love with their gentleness during this activity created especially for you to bond with dolphins!
US $139 Adults / US $89 Kids

The Manatee Encounter in Cozumel is a one of a kind adventure, the only swim with manatees program in the Caribbean. Manatees are beautiful and enormous, once thought by sailors to be mermaids, these gentle giants can grow as long as 13ft/4m and weigh up to 1300 lbs/600 kgs! Bring the family to live the experience !!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids

Dolphin Discovery's Sea Lion Discovery program provides a unique opportunity for some playful, educational interaction with these wonderful animals. Sea lions are fun and mischievous creatures the entire family will enjoy!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids

This is the newest dolphinarium and by far one of the most exclusive ones. It is situated in the heart of Puerto Aventuras, in an exclusive luxury resort. It is a quiet and the ideal place to relax as the only distraction you will have are the charming beaches and exotic jungle. Not only this is an exclusive and unique location in Quintana Roo, but it also has amazing facilities so you can enjoy the activities that you will be able to enjoy with the dolphins. Among these activities you can enjoy the Kayaks, a total new experience and exclusively at this location, you can have fun on the kayaks with family or friends while the dolphins play and swim all your way.
US$ 159.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids

Your next vacations will have it all as Puerto Aventuras gives you the perfect place to spend your vacations with pristine waters, sun and great activities to enjoy adventure in the best destination. This vacations will be memorable and the best experience of your life!
US$ 129.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids

Dolphin Playa at Maroma stands in the beautiful beach of Maroma Adventure, one of the top ten places in the world. Our newest and largest dolphin habitat in the Mayan Riviera is located just 10 minutes driving from Playa del Carmen. Here you will be able to live an unforgettable experience, closely interaction with cute and friendly dolphins.
US$ 159.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids

Meet, greet and touch one of the most amazing marine animals of the Caribbean Sea, the dolphins that have captivated humans since we know they existed. The program has a great opportunity for an up-close interaction with our friendly and playful dolphins. You will learn everything you wanted to know about their diet, activities, behavior and many more facts. The Dolphin Swim Adventure program includes the famous belly ride. The belly ride consists of you holding on to the dolphin’s fins as he swims backwards. Beside this exciting activity, you will play with the dolphin, receive a kiss, a handshake and will learn how they sing and dance on the water.
US$ 129.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids

Share a series of sensational and safe activities while establishing a unique bond of trust. With a handshake, kiss and belly ride will enjoy moments of great spontaneity during your free time together. It is an unforgettable experience!
US$ 129.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids

This most popular program can be described in two words: "action" and "speed". Get a handshake, a kiss and then you give them one. Feel the strength of your new friends as they push you across the water from the bottom of your feet in the thrilling foot-push. It is "the experience of a lifetime!"
US$ 159.00 Adults / US$ 89.00 Kids

My daughter, 13 did the dolphin swim and it was the best time of her life.. up close and personal with scarlet.. the pictures were beautiful and the video wonderful.. this was a once in a life time event that she will remember for her entire life... well worth the 99.00 and the additional 75.00 for pics and video coverage.. if you can afford to do this, this is not to be missed.. it was the highlight of the entire vacation... go and have fun, well worth the cost and a lot of fun to be had. WONDERFUL TIME.... Monica Beach and katie Richards Monica Beach ~ Ocala, Florida USA

My husabnd and I did the Dolphin Royal swim in Cozumel. We loved it! It was the best time ever! Would do it again in a heartbeat! Thanks for everything Benicia ~ PA USA

We just came back from our Cozumel trip. We had a great time and really enjoyed the dolphin program. Thanks for giving our daughter such a great childhood memory!!!! By the way we came back to snow. Hope you are all enjoying the sunshine there!! The Francis family ~ Columbus, OH USA

Two friends and I booked the dolphin swim AND got the manatee encounter for 15 minutes for thru Cozumel Insider. The manatee was FREE. The price, including the park, was only $88 when booked in advance. The park fee alone is $21...that's $77 PP for both a dolphin swim with about 11 others, incl. 4 children, AND the manatee. Our party of 3 were the only ones to get the manatee and she was a highlight of our trip. We got to feed her lettuce for almost 15 minutes as the guide explained her life to us. We are grateful for both experiences at such a great price. Thanks, Sherri. I can see where it's harder to find your story on your site. Can you repost it? It's very unusual and inspirational to others. Cheryl & Michael, MA C. Pimental ~ Hingham, MA USA

Just got back from our cruise and wanted to let you know how much fun we had at Chankanaab Park. My daughter, Emily, had the most wonderful dolphin experience and the $2.00 off coupon for me to get into the park worked like a charm. And, your confirmation email telling us about getting to the park was very helpful. Thank you for the experience! This was well organized and an absolutely perfect day in Cozumel for us! We (the old ladies in my family) are coming back in February, I'll be sure to connect with you again as we'll do the dolphin swim with you again. The Kershek Family ~ Wisconsin, USA